Korean Won Exchange Rate October 2026: Today's Rate vs. June and What It Means for Your Budget

Bottom line: The won-dollar exchange rate closed at 1,325.2 won on October 21 in the Seoul foreign exchange market — its lowest level since October 2, 2024 — meaning the won has strengthened by that much. If you budgeted your trip around the exchange rate from a few months ago (around 1,520 won in June), checking today's rate and adjusting your budget accordingly is the sensible move based on official exchange-rate data.

If you didn't know: Converting 1 million won's worth of currency took about $658 at June's rate, but the same 1 million won now requires about $755 at the October 21 rate — a difference of about $97, or roughly 130,000 won. Exchange in a rush at the airport without checking the rate beforehand, and you could pay this difference on top of the exchange counter's own fees.

Exchange rates change every business day. The benchmark rate published by Seoul Money Brokerage Services comes out once each business morning, so the rate on the day you planned your trip can differ from the rate on the day you actually exchange money. Bank apps such as Hana Bank, along with the finance sections of Naver and Google, display this official benchmark rate directly — comparing it before converting cash at an airport counter is a sensible step based on official information. It also helps to know that the benchmark rate banks publish isn't exactly what you get at a counter or airport booth — a fee, or spread, is added on top — so a mobile app's pre-booked exchange, which often carries a better preferential rate, can narrow that gap.

This article summarizes official information and is not legal, medical or financial advice.

Journey stage: Before you go · Verified Oct. 21, 2026 · Source: SBS Biz (reporting the Seoul FX market close), KB Securities daily report